The bowed psaltery is a triangular instrument that is played with a bow. The bow is drawn across strings that are attached to a hitch pin on one side and a tuning pin on the other. The shape of the wooden soundboard is triangular and the strings run down both sides. The bow is drawn over each string individually. The right side is like the white keys on a piano and the left side contains sharps and flats like the black keys of a piano. The sound is something like that of a violin, but it is much easier to play.
Psalteries date back to medieval times and the earliest ones consisted of simple wooden boards and strings. Later versions consisted of a hollow box with a sound hole and metal strings. Strings were either plucked or struck and it was only some time later that bows began to be used.
There are a number of craftsmen creating these traditional instruments today. In order to make them they not only need to be skilled at working with wood but also need to have a good musical background. This combination allows for the creation of instruments that are solidly constructed, comfortable to play and make beautiful sounds too.
One factor that affect the sound of the instrument is the type of wood used. This is particularly true of wood used to make the soundboard. It has to allow for excellent sound transmission to the rest of the instrument and this is why lighter woods like spruce or cedar are used. The back and sides may be made of woods like black walnut, oak and mahogany.
The way the hitch pins are spaced can make all the difference to the sounds produced. They need to be placed at exactly the correct distance from the bridge to allow the string to vibrate correctly. If they are placed incorrectly the sounds may be metallic or scratchy and the strings can break easily. The tuning pins are used to tighten or loosen the strings.
The sound hole of the instrument plays a role in the volume of sounds produced. It needs to be just the right size as if it is too small or too large, the sounds produced are too soft. Manufacturers use many different ways of decorating the sound holes with motifs like doves, birds, butterflies or intricately carved rosettes.
Comfort and durability are other considerations when buying an instrument. The frame has to be a certain thickness to make sure the pins are secure. It must be as lightweight and responsive as possible without sacrificing solidity of construction. An instrument that is too heavy may cause strain and fatigue when playing.
A bowed psaltery may be sold on its own while another may be sold together with the accessories such as a bow, rosin for the bow, a tuning wrench and even an instruction manual. These instruments may be quite costly due to the time and care taken in their construction but the hauntingly beautiful sounds produced make them well worth the cost.
Psalteries date back to medieval times and the earliest ones consisted of simple wooden boards and strings. Later versions consisted of a hollow box with a sound hole and metal strings. Strings were either plucked or struck and it was only some time later that bows began to be used.
There are a number of craftsmen creating these traditional instruments today. In order to make them they not only need to be skilled at working with wood but also need to have a good musical background. This combination allows for the creation of instruments that are solidly constructed, comfortable to play and make beautiful sounds too.
One factor that affect the sound of the instrument is the type of wood used. This is particularly true of wood used to make the soundboard. It has to allow for excellent sound transmission to the rest of the instrument and this is why lighter woods like spruce or cedar are used. The back and sides may be made of woods like black walnut, oak and mahogany.
The way the hitch pins are spaced can make all the difference to the sounds produced. They need to be placed at exactly the correct distance from the bridge to allow the string to vibrate correctly. If they are placed incorrectly the sounds may be metallic or scratchy and the strings can break easily. The tuning pins are used to tighten or loosen the strings.
The sound hole of the instrument plays a role in the volume of sounds produced. It needs to be just the right size as if it is too small or too large, the sounds produced are too soft. Manufacturers use many different ways of decorating the sound holes with motifs like doves, birds, butterflies or intricately carved rosettes.
Comfort and durability are other considerations when buying an instrument. The frame has to be a certain thickness to make sure the pins are secure. It must be as lightweight and responsive as possible without sacrificing solidity of construction. An instrument that is too heavy may cause strain and fatigue when playing.
A bowed psaltery may be sold on its own while another may be sold together with the accessories such as a bow, rosin for the bow, a tuning wrench and even an instruction manual. These instruments may be quite costly due to the time and care taken in their construction but the hauntingly beautiful sounds produced make them well worth the cost.
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